06-27-2021, 03:30 PM
On the subject of edibility of sturgeon, I can add a personal opinion. Not much finer...if you properly care for it and know your way around the kitchen. To begin, sturgeon do not have a bony skeleton. It is cartilaginous...like sharks and rays...and paddlefish. You can simply pull the spine out through the flesh if you wanna. But most sturg fans either fillet the sides off the fish...or cut it into steaks. Since they have a primitive excretory system (no kidneys) you should ice any you plan to keep and clean them as quickly as possible. If killed and left too long uncleaned or unchilled the flesh will acquire a mild "ammonia" aura.
As has been mentioned, they have a nice white flesh that is very mild in flavor. So you can use almost any recipe without having to do exotic soaks or marinades to make it palatable. Small pieces make great "fish and chips" with a good beer batter. But it can be baked or grilled too. And it is great smoked.
I lived in Sacramento for a few years and caught sturgeon both in the SF Bay and up in the Sacramento River. In those days there were no restrictions but we usually didn't keep any over a self-imposed 6' mark. Also had some sturgeon experience as a kid in Idaho...up in the Hell's Canyon area. Plus, have had some outstanding trips on the Columbia just up from Portland Oregon. 20-30 fish days...but mostly small fish. Still fun though.
As has been mentioned, they have a nice white flesh that is very mild in flavor. So you can use almost any recipe without having to do exotic soaks or marinades to make it palatable. Small pieces make great "fish and chips" with a good beer batter. But it can be baked or grilled too. And it is great smoked.
I lived in Sacramento for a few years and caught sturgeon both in the SF Bay and up in the Sacramento River. In those days there were no restrictions but we usually didn't keep any over a self-imposed 6' mark. Also had some sturgeon experience as a kid in Idaho...up in the Hell's Canyon area. Plus, have had some outstanding trips on the Columbia just up from Portland Oregon. 20-30 fish days...but mostly small fish. Still fun though.